IMC Education & Plymouth Marjon University, UK Launch BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology in Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka | 9 June 2026
IMC Education, in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University, United Kingdom, officially launched the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology programme in Sri Lanka at the Hilton Colombo Residence on 9 June 2026. The launch marks a significant milestone in expanding access to internationally recognised psychology education and creating new opportunities for students aspiring to build careers in the field of psychology.
The event also featured a timely panel discussion on “Teenage Mental Health & Psychological First Aid,” bringing together leading academics, clinicians, psychologists, and counsellors to discuss the growing mental health challenges faced by young people in Sri Lanka and the importance of psychological first aid within communities.
Distinguished Guests
The programme launch was attended by a distinguished panel comprising:
- Dr. Amila B. Kulathunga – Chief Executive Officer, IMC Education
- Prof. Inoka C. Perera – Director of Academics & Quality Assurance, IMC Education
- Mr. Surath Edurapola – Chief Academic & Academic Administration Officer, IMC Education
- Dr. Katheryn Edwards – Senior Lecturer in Psychology & Academic Liaison Tutor, Department of Human Sciences, Society & Culture, Plymouth Marjon University, United Kingdom
- Mr. Nipuna Adihetty – Head of Department – Academics, IMC Education
Panel Discussion on Teenage Mental Health & Psychological First Aid
Following the official launch, an engaging panel discussion explored the importance of supporting teenage mental wellbeing and equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills required for psychological first aid.
The discussion panel included:
- Dr. Katheryn Edwards – Senior Lecturer in Psychology & Academic Liaison Tutor, Plymouth Marjon University
- Dr. Burhanuddin Hamza – Senior Medical Officer, NSHL Respiratory Unit
- Ms. Rashmi Sooriyabandra – Psychologist & Mental Health Counsellor
- Ms. Dinomi Nimna – Psychology Lecturer & Counsellor
The session encouraged meaningful dialogue around mental health awareness, early intervention, and the role of education in developing future mental health professionals.
Expanding Access to International Psychology Education
The partnership between IMC Education and Plymouth Marjon University reflects a shared commitment to making internationally recognised psychology education more accessible to Sri Lankan students.
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology programme is designed around the curriculum standards of the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing students with a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge that supports careers in clinical, counselling, educational, organisational, and community psychology.
Recognising the increasing demand for qualified mental health professionals in Sri Lanka, the programme combines global academic standards with local relevance, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to the country’s evolving healthcare and wellbeing sector.
Clinical Internship Opportunities
As part of the programme, IMC Education has partnered with Park Hospital Colombo to facilitate internship placements for students. This collaboration provides valuable supervised clinical exposure and practical experience, helping students fulfil internship requirements while developing professional competencies essential for future registration as psychologists in Sri Lanka.
Looking Ahead
Building on this collaboration, IMC Education and Plymouth Marjon University plan to further strengthen their academic partnership by introducing a Master’s Degree in Psychology in the future. This initiative aims to provide graduates with advanced study opportunities while supporting the growing demand for highly qualified psychology professionals in Sri Lanka and the wider region.
About Plymouth Marjon University
Established in 1840, Plymouth Marjon University (University of St. Mark & St. John) is a public university in Plymouth, England, with more than 180 years of heritage in student-centred higher education.
The university is recognised by the UK Government, listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka, ensuring international recognition of its qualifications.
Plymouth Marjon has received numerous accolades, including:
- Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
- No. 2 in England for Social Inclusion
- No. 3 in England for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide – six consecutive years)
- No. 3 in the UK for Teaching Quality (Good University Guide)
- Joint No. 1 in the UK for Academic Support
- No. 2 in England for Student Voice (National Student Survey 2024)
- Top 5 in the UK for Career Prospects, Lecturers and Teaching Quality (WhatUni Student Choice Awards)
- Ranked among the Top 600 universities globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.
About IMC Education
For more than 25 years, IMC Education has been dedicated to providing internationally recognised educational pathways for Sri Lankan students.
Today, IMC Education operates through three specialised academic divisions:
- School of Pre-Medical Studies
- School of Psychology
- International Medical Placements
Through strategic partnerships with universities across the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Europe, and other international destinations, IMC continues to empower students with globally recognised qualifications and meaningful career opportunities.
The launch of the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology further reflects IMC Education’s mission of “Nurturing Caring Minds for the World”, strengthening psychological education and mental health awareness in Sri Lanka while preparing the next generation of psychology professionals.
